Stress vs. Strengthening and TOS Pain
 

I've been managing my symptoms quite well ever since being diagnosed with TOS a few months ago. A scalene stretching routine has kept my pain level below a 1.5 on a scale of 1 to 10 consistently with days at a time seeing 0 pain.

That said, I've noticed something strange and what would seem as counterintuitive.

On days where my stress level is high due to work related issues or travel for work, my irritation seems to increase. For example, this week I was presented with a new job opportunity that has me concerned about my future, family, etc. I've definitely been "agitated" and I can feel more irritation on my right scapula and elbow area. It's not tremendous pain, maybe as high as a 2. Still, it's irritating.

On the flip side, I often find that when my irritation increases, my gym activity actually makes me feel a lot better. This is counterintuitive to me considering what everyone says about strengthening exercises. And my gym activity is not your typical go through the motions type stuff. It's pretty hardcore and involves working both anterior and posterior muscles.

So in short, I don't get it.

How can emotional stress cause more issues than physically stressing my body?

What is it that I'm aggravating with emotional stress vs. physical stress?

It boggles my mind.

Hoping somebody can help me break this down. How is my body moving during each of these stress periods and why irritation?

And I'd be curious if anyone else runs into this.

Thanks.

KY

stress makes you unconsciously hold much more muscle tension, and there is a tendency to breathe more shallowly- thus much less oxygen in and the toxins don't get flushed out of the cells as well.

So my inability to relax basically is the culprit?

If that's the case, my muscles must hold tons of tension under stress.

And I wonder if it's any coincidence that I feel much more relaxed after I go to the gym.

Is diaphramic breathing the trick? Any others?

I have to get this under control because my work life is getting increasingly more stressful as I take on more responsibility. I'm fearful of moving up the ladder because it may do me in.

KY

I don't know what kind of workouts you do, but have you ever tried using Indian clubs, clubbells, or kettlebells?

I haven't used the latter two, but I've been having really good luck using Indian clubs to loosen up my shoulders, elbows and wrists. Swinging a club or weight helps to stretch everything out. Maybe it would help get rid of tension in your muscles?

I need something fitness wise for the upcoming winter months, so I decided to go with a mini trampoline -
Walmart has the Gold's Gym Circuit Trainer 36" Mini Trampoline w/resist bands. on sale for 34.77.

[Gold's Gym Circuit Trainer Mini Trampoline also includes:
2 resistance cords for upper body workout
Electronic monitor that measures time, calories, and number of jumps
Mini-trampoline stands on 6-legs.
Gold's Gym circuit trainer workout DVD ]

Easy to move indoors or outside, no motor/or belt like a treadmill, I had one years ago.

I read that trampolines are very good for lymph flow, bone strength & overall conditioning. Just a very mild bounce movement stimulates the lymph system, you don't even have to get airborne.

The store near me didn't have it on the shelf so not sure when it will arrive in the store for pick up.

The thing is, tension at the gym isn't the problem. When I'm there and afterward I feel great. The movements must loosen everything up.

It's when I'm in the office or doing work at home.

Maybe I need to do this "swinging" in my office?

I need to do something.

I'm really wound tight due to something that's come up at work. I wonder if a trip to the accupunturist wouldn't be a bad idea. I usually walk out of there loose as a goose. Feel like I need to "break the cycle of tension" or something.

KY

I have just finished 3 sessions of trigger point therapy massages, and no word of lie on the 3rd session 95% of my pain has dissapeared. 0 finger pains 0 arm and 0 SHOULDER pains.. there are days when i get no pains at all. I thought it was impossible to get rid of all these pains but turns out i had a bunch of active trigger points in my scalenes and back. I dont wanna get ahead of my self.. But i feel Cured.

I ahve been back to the gym this week and last and i msut agree, gym work and strengething makes me feel much much better. When all the muscles are strong they feel 100 times better. Im the same as you , posterior work , anterior work, core , legs everything. I havent felt this good all year.

The only pain i have left is a periodic throb slash raw burning pain that is restricted to the left collarbone/first rid area sometimes radiating down into the pec minor area/ anterior delt. very wierd pain , it only comes on wehn i chnge positions from laying down to standing up or when sitting at computer to long to standing up.

Any idea wats this could be.. Im still trying to dertimine weather its a soft tissue problem or a bone alligmnet problem?

Funnily enough, strengthenong makes me feel really good, computer work makes me feel not so good.

Triggery point therapy worked for me, maybe give it a shot?

Some thoughts:

Re: mental/emotional stress, yes it can cause tension in the muscles. It can also cause upper chest breathing which can narrow the space between the collar bone and first rib. Make sure you are belly breathing even when stressed. Furthermore, I notice that for myself and others close to me, stress generally aggravates just about any health problem.

Also, you might consider attacking the problem of stress itself more directly. An Amazon search for "stress" returns some well rated books whose explanations and exercises have helped people.

Re: exercise, there are studies that show that exercise can reduce pain. Here is one regarding yoga:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...0727131421.htm

But I don't think boosting cortisol is exclusive to yoga. And there are other boosts too like human growth hormone.

For me, exercise makes me feel worse, but I have circulation issues in the neck area (which are gradually improving).

Re: computer work, if it is making you feel bad, make extra sure that you have *excellent* posture with no "forward head", "forward shoulders", "trap tension", etc. Just "sitting up" doesn't do it. I had to really study material on posture and study myself, and not compromise my posture at all.

But I still slump into bad posture when I get really engrossed in a project and, sure enough, start feeling bad again. Then I get up, stretch, straighten, do Brugger relief pose, relax and sit back down in good posture.

HTH

Can you tell us your exact scalene stretching routine?

Since about April, I started doing both an anterior and middle scalene stretching. Very rigorous and systematic.

Basically, every hour I would stretch each for 30-60 seconds. I noticed that this started relieving my elbow pain and burning scapular pain immediately. I also integrated boytos lying on the foam roller while doing chin tucks for 3 minutes plus. Also, pec minor stretching 3-4 times per day.

This has all worked great, but I've noticed that regardless of this, I get mini flare ups when I'm STRESSED OUT!

I think the deep breathing techniques are key. I didn't realize that shallow chest breathing can narrow the space. I've really slacked off on this.

I hate to ask this, but what over the counter (or under) pharm aides that could help here?


KY